Any sort of plumbing issue can be a source of consternation for a homeowner. There are many plumbing tasks will need to be tackled by a
certified local plumber, they will have the expertise and tools to get the job done. But, there are many minor plumbing issues that can be tackled by a DIY plumbing enthusiast if they have access to a little knowledge and some tools. In this article, we will look at some basic plumbing tools that you can put together to create a home plumbing toolkit for minor jobs and repairs.
A Basic Plunger
Let’s start with a timeless classic; the reliable cup shaped manual plunger with a wooden handle. This has been used for many years to clear clogs from sinks, shower, tubs, and toilets. The simple vacuum like suction action is often enough to dislodge a stubborn clog without resorting to chemical cleaners that can damage your plumbing pipes and fixtures. If you want a more specialized tool to clear a toilet clog, a ball plunger or flange may be a better option. None of these plungers are expensive to buy, they are readily available, and they make a great first tool for a plumbing toolkit.
A Toilet Augur
The correct plumbing industry name for this tool is a closet augur. It’s a three foot long flexible shaft that has a hand crank on one end and a small augur bit fitter on the other end. The augur is carefully fed into the toilet pipe until it hits the clog, then the handle is cranked slowly to drive the augur bit into the clog to break it apart. This is an excellent tool for removing larger obstructions it may even be able to handle reusable cleaning rags and used diapers.
A Sink Augur
This augur works much like the toilet augur mentioned above, but it is a slightly different tool. It’s equipped with a flexible cable mounted in a canister or drum. The steel augur bit is fed into a sink or tub drain, and the cable is rotated to remove stubborn clogs.
An Adjustable Pipe Wrench
The plumbing system in your home is comprised of a network of pipes that usually have round surfaces. For this reason, it’s a great idea to have access to a wrench that’s designed to grip round surfaces of different sizes. An adjustable pipe wrench can give you a great deal of leverage in a tight space making it a perfect tool for plumbing jobs. It’s important to note that the wrench teeth are serrated for gripping and if you don’t want to leave marks on a pipe or fixture the pipe needs to be wrapped in tape first.
A Roll of Teflon Tape
Every plumbing toolkit should contain a length of Teflon tape to make a quick repair. If you discover a leak coming from a pipe joint or a showerhead you can unthread it and wrap the thread with Teflon tape. Then secure the leaky fixture back in place, and in many cases, the leak will have disappeared. Teflon tape is an easy way to create a durable waterproof seal, and it’s inexpensive to buy.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
